Recovering from colon surgery takes time and patience. After undergoing a major procedure like colon resection or colectomy, most patients are eager to get back on their feet as soon as possible. However, resuming normal physical activity such as walking needs to be balanced with allowing adequate time for healing. Generally speaking, most patients can start walking short distances within 24-48 hours after colon surgery. However, the timeline varies for each individual and depends on factors like:
- The type of colon surgery performed
- Whether the surgery was done laparoscopically or open
- If there were any complications during surgery
- The patient’s overall health status prior to surgery
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what to expect and the typical recovery timeline for walking after the most common colon surgery procedures, including:
- Colectomy
- Hemicolectomy
- Low anterior resection (LAR)
- Abdominoperineal resection (APR)
- Left/right hemicolectomy
- Colostomy takedown
We’ll also discuss tips to help promote healing and precautions to take when resuming walking during recovery. Understanding what to expect can help patients remain patient and follow their surgeon’s instructions during the post-op period.
When Can You Start Walking After Colectomy Surgery?
A colectomy involves surgical removal of all or part of the colon. There are several types of colectomy procedures:
- Partial colectomy – removes part of the colon
- Total colectomy – removes the entire colon
- Subtotal colectomy – removes most of colon but leaves the rectum
This surgery may be done for conditions like colon cancer, diverticulitis, ischemic colitis, colonic inertia, toxic megacolon, familial adenomatous polyposis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, colon injuries or perforations.
For a standard open colectomy, most patients can start walking the day after surgery. Usually, the surgeon will recommend starting with a short walk of 5-10 minutes 1-2 times per day alongside a nurse or physical therapist. This helps prevent post-surgical complications like blood clots, muscle atrophy, and pneumonia.
With a laparoscopic colectomy, recovery is usually faster. Since this minimally invasive technique requires smaller incisions, most patients are able to start walking within 24 hours after the procedure. Complete recovery, however, still takes several weeks.
The recovery timeline varies for each patient based on individual factors. But in general, here is the expected walking timeline after a colectomy:
Colectomy Recovery Walking Timeline
| Days After Surgery | Walking Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Get out of bed with assistance and walk 5-10 minutes 1-2 times |
| Days 2-4 | Walk for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times per day |
| Days 5-7 | Walk for 15-20 minutes 3 times per day |
| Week 2 | Walk 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per day; climb stairs with help |
| Week 3 | Increase walking distance and duration; wean off walker or cane gradually |
| Week 4 | Walk around home without support for short periods |
| Week 6 | Resume normal day-to-day walking and activities |
Walking After Hemicolectomy
A hemicolectomy is surgery to remove the right or left side of the colon along with a portion of the remaining colon. It’s commonly done for colon cancer located in one side of the colon.
The initial recovery timeline for walking is similar to a colectomy. Here’s what to expect:
Hemicolectomy Recovery Walking Timeline
| Days After Surgery | Walking Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Walk 5-10 minutes 1-2 times with assistance |
| Days 2-4 | Walk 10-15 minutes 2-3 times per day |
| Days 5-7 | Walk 15-20 minutes 3 times per day |
| Week 2 | Walk 20-30 minutes 2-3 times daily; climb stairs with help |
| Weeks 3-4 | Gradually increase walking distance and duration |
| Week 6 | Resume normal day-to-day walking |
Walking After Low Anterior Resection Surgery
A low anterior resection, or LAR, removes the upper rectum and part of the sigmoid colon. It’s a common surgery for rectal cancers located in the upper rectum.
LAR may be done as traditional open surgery or laparoscopically. With the minimally invasive approach, recovery of bowel function is faster and patients can usually begin walking sooner after surgery.
Here is the typical walking timeline after LAR surgery:
LAR Recovery Walking Timeline
| Days After Surgery | Walking Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Walk 5-10 minutes 1-2 times with assistance |
| Days 2-4 | Walk 10-15 minutes 2-3 times daily |
| Days 5-7 | Walk 15-20 minutes 3 times per day |
| Week 2 | Walk 20-30 minutes 2-3 times daily; climb stairs with help |
| Weeks 3-4 | Gradually increase walking distance and duration |
| Week 6 | Resume normal daily walking |
Walking After Abdominoperineal Resection
Abdominoperineal resection (APR) involves removing the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon. This surgery is done for low rectal cancers.
Since it’s a more extensive procedure than LAR, recovery takes longer. But movement is still encouraged starting the day after surgery:
APR Recovery Walking Timeline
| Days After Surgery | Walking Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Get out of bed with assistance and walk 5 minutes 1-2 times |
| Days 2-4 | Walk 5-10 minutes 2-3 times per day |
| Days 5-7 | Walk 10-15 minutes 2-3 times per day |
| Week 2 | Walk 15-20 minutes 2-3 times daily |
| Weeks 3-4 | Gradually increase walking distance and duration |
| Weeks 6-8 | Resume normal daily walking |
Walking After Hemicolectomy Surgery
A right or left hemicolectomy removes part of the ascending or descending colon respectively. It may be recommended to treat colon cancer located on one side.
Here is the typical recovery timeline for walking after this procedure:
Hemicolectomy Recovery Walking Timeline
| Days After Surgery | Walking Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Walk 5-10 minutes 1-2 times with assistance |
| Days 2-4 | Walk 10-15 minutes 2-3 times daily |
| Days 5-7 | Walk 15-20 minutes 3 times per day |
| Week 2 | Walk 20-30 minutes 2-3 times daily; climb stairs with help |
| Weeks 3-4 | Gradually increase walking duration and distance |
| Week 6 | Resume normal daily walking |
Walking After Colostomy Reversal
Some patients require a temporary colostomy after colon surgery to allow the colon or rectal area to heal. This involves surgically creating an opening from the colon through the abdomen. Stool passes through this opening into an external pouching system.
Once healing has occurred, the colostomy can be reversed through another surgery. Returning bowel function to normal takes time after this procedure. But light walking can usually be resumed pretty quickly:
Colostomy Reversal Recovery Walking Timeline
| Days After Surgery | Walking Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Get out of bed with assistance and walk 5 minutes 1-2 times |
| Days 2-4 | Walk 5-10 minutes 2-3 times daily |
| Days 5-7 | Walk 10-15 minutes 3 times per day |
| Week 2 | Walk 15-20 minutes 3 times daily |
| Weeks 3-4 | Increase walking distance and duration |
| Weeks 4-6 | Resume normal daily walking |
Tips for Safe Walking After Colon Surgery
Walking is an important part of the recovery process after colon surgery. It helps prevent complications and speeds the return of normal bowel function. Here are some tips for safely resuming walking activities:
- Take it slow – Start with short, frequent walks instead of long distances. Increase duration and distance gradually.
- Use assistive devices – A walker, cane or other device provides stability for support early on.
- Wait 1-2 hours after eating – Avoid walking right after meals to prevent discomfort or nausea.
- Rest when needed – Listen to your body and take rest breaks as needed between walks.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated as you increase movement.
- Watch for dizziness – Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Improve posture – Walk slowly and deliberately with good posture to protect the incision site.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing – This won’t rub or irritate the abdomen.
Be sure to communicate with your surgeon or nurse about any limitations or concerns you have around resuming walking. They can advise you on precautions to take or modifications needed based on your individual recovery.
Precautions When Walking After Colon Surgery
While walking early is important, it’s critical to avoid overdoing it too soon after colon surgery. Complications can occur if you push yourself too hard before wounds have healed internally. Here are some important precautions:
- Avoid straining – Activities that cause pain or strain on the incision should be avoided.
- Prevent infection – Do not soak the incision in water until it is fully closed and healed.
- Watch for bleeding – Report any bleeding, redness or swelling around the incision to your doctor.
- Avoid constipation – Straining to have a bowel movement can damage internal healing tissues.
- Get extra help if needed – Have someone assist you for safety if you feel lightheaded or unsteady.
- Rest after activity – Be sure to take rest breaks between short walks to allow the body to recover.
- Use pain medication – Take prescribed medication to control pain before walks if needed.
- Listen to your body – Stop any activity that causes pain or discomfort.
As you continue to recover, walking longer distances and for longer durations will become easier. But it’s important not to overexert yourself too soon. Follow all instructions from your healthcare providers for safe healing.
Signs You’re Overdoing It
While light walking early on aids recovery, returning to normal activity levels takes time after colon surgery. Pushing too hard can slow the healing process. Watch for these signs you may be overdoing it with walking or other activities:
- Dizziness or lightheaded feeling
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue lasting more than an hour after activity
- Increased pain, cramping or discomfort
- Redness, heat, or drainage around the incision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in the abdomen, legs, feet or ankles
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop activity and rest. Report any concerns to your surgeon. Adjusting your walking pace and distance based on how you feel can help prevent complications. Don’t ignore warning signs that you may be pushing your body too hard before it’s ready.
Conclusion
The timeline for walking after colon surgery varies based on the procedure performed and each patient’s individual recovery process. But most can begin short, frequent walks with assistance within 24-48 hours after surgery. From there, walking distance and duration can gradually be increased over several weeks as the body heals.
While anxious to return to normal activity levels, it’s crucial to not overexert and risk complications. Allow the body adequate rest between short walks in the early recovery period. Follow all instructions from your surgical team on safely progressing mobility based on healing. With patience and by listening to your body, you’ll steadily regain strength and resume your normal active lifestyle after colon surgery.